Ahu Tepeu is one of the major prehistoric villages on Rapa Nui still in existence, and the only one of its kind that has never been restored \u2014 making it the most authentic testimony to the destruction that occurred during the tribal wars of the 18th century. Oral tradition links this village with King Tu’u Ko Ihu, a builder and sculptor credited with the creation of the Moai Kava Kava, and his wife Avareipua, sister of the mythical founding king Hotu Matu’a.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Village of Ahu Tepeu is notable for its size and the large number of archaeological traces present at the site: ceremonial structures, living areas and farms. These coastal villages were elite settlements with structures of high symbolic value. Folklore relates this village with King Tu’u Ko Ihu, a builder and sculptor credited with the creation of the Moai Kava Kava, Hiti Rau and Nuku Te Mang\u014d. Tu’u Ko Ihu is thought to have been the husband of Queen Avareipua, sister of the mythical High King Hotu a Matu’a, who had arrived with his people at the Navel of the World.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ahu Tepeu is located on the northwestern coast of Rapa Nui, dominating the sector of Roiho or Lava of Hiva Hiva, Maunga Terevaka and Ahu Akivi. The village follows a coastal typology, with its main focus being the ceremonial complex made up of one or more Ahu. The major prehistoric villages functioned as political centres which dominated an extensive territory, within which were smaller settlements. They were situated in privileged areas with visual domination of the territory, where there was arable land, stone material, fresh water and marine resources \u2014 everything necessary for subsistence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These villages tended to be located on protected coves which facilitated the movement of boats, and which counted on springs of fresh water from aquifers that drained at certain points on the coast. Unlike the majority of villages of this type, Ahu Tepeu is found on top of a high cliff with spectacular scenery, but its nearness to the rocky area of Roiho meant it could also rely on the water resources from the caves in that sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This ceremonial centre holds five Ahu, three of which present moai fragments that were at one time erected on the platform. A complete moai torso was found to have disappeared from the site \u2014 it was registered in 1956 by the team led by archaeologist Carlyle Smith during Thor Heyerdahl’s archaeological expedition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ahu Tepeu holds an exceptional link with Akahanga, the grave of Hotu Matu’a<\/a>: both sites are located at opposite ends of the same astronomical axis, connecting the dawn of the summer solstice with the dusk of the winter solstice. In other words, the resting places of the two siblings of the founding family \u2014 Hotu Matu’a at Akahanga and his sister Avareipua at Ahu Tepeu \u2014 were symbolically joined to the annual solar cycle, even in death. Oral tradition adds another thread between the two sites: after Hotu Matu’a’s burial, his eldest son Tu’u Maheke is said to have cut off the king’s head and buried it among some stones at Akahanga. Sometime later, Tu’u Ko Ihu himself \u2014 the sculptor of Ahu Tepeu \u2014 is said to have stolen that skull and hidden it in his house, until it was finally recovered by the king’s legitimate descendants to benefit from the Mana emanating from such a precious object.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tu’u Ko Ihu was a king, builder and sculptor of Rapanui oral tradition, credited with creating the Moai Kava Kava. He is thought to have lived at Ahu Tepeu with his wife Avareipua, sister of founding king Hotu Matu’a. According to legend, he also stole and hid Hotu Matu’a’s skull after his burial at Akahanga<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both sites sit at opposite ends of the same solar axis: the dawn of the summer solstice and the dusk of the winter solstice. This symbolically connects the resting places of Hotu Matu’a (at Akahanga) and his sister Avareipua (at Ahu Tepeu), joining the two siblings of the founding family even in death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike sites such as Ahu Akivi or Tahai, Ahu Tepeu remains as it was left after the tribal wars of the 18th century, with no archaeological restoration. This makes it one of the most authentic testimonies to the real destruction that occurred during that period of Rapanui history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Five ceremonial platforms (Ahu), three with fallen moai fragments, along with the remains of dwellings (hare paenga), agricultural structures and the complex’s large rear wall. A complete moai torso, documented in 1956 during Thor Heyerdahl’s expedition, later disappeared from the site.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions about Ahu Tepeu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Who is Tu’u Ko Ihu and what is his connection to Ahu Tepeu?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why is Ahu Tepeu astronomically connected to Akahanga?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why has Ahu Tepeu never been restored?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What can be seen at Ahu Tepeu?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n